Introduction

At week 38 your baby is the size of a watermelon. The lungs will continue to develop even after the birth. Do you know the signs of labour? You know the obvious ones, read on to find out more about the less obvious ones. Now’s the time where it’s all about prepping. Nursery ready? Is your birth plan clear? Hospital bag ready? Read on to find out what else needs to be prepped before the big day. Ever wondered what’s in breast milk? It’s quite fascinating.

Read our top tips to help alleviate swollen ankles and information of what to expect at 38 weeks pregnant.

What happens to your body at 38 weeks pregnant?

Labour could be any day now. You ready? Course not. No one ever is. But here’s a last-minute reminder of the signs that you’ll be on your way to hospital soon.

Contractions – this is the obvious one. They’re a sign of labour but it depends on how regular they are. If you’re experiencing pain and having regular contractions every five minutes which last as long as 60 seconds each time, call the hospital.

Braxton Hicks are different from labour contractions. Some of the differences between Braxton Hicks and labour contractions include varying from length, strength and frequency. You’ll also find that Braxton Hicks contractions feel more uncomfortable than intense and painful.

The mucus plug aka ‘a show’. You may pass a small sticky jelly-like mucus before labour. Not all women do, and it can happen just before labour or several days before.

Waters breaking. Another sign we’re all familiar with, but in real life it’s not always obvious. It could be a trickle or flood. It may happen just before, or after, regular contractions. But once your waters have broken you should be in labour no more than 24 hours later, if not you may be induced. This is because without amniotic fluid, baby is much more vulnerable to infection.

Intervention. Some babies need a hand with their journey from the womb to the world, so forceps or a ventouse may be used to help them out. Sometimes a Caesarean Section is the best option, if so, your midwife will explain everything.

Read our article to find out more about the signs of labour.

Benefits of breast milk

If you’re thinking of breastfeeding, the truth is that breast milk is the best source of nutrition and has everything your little one needs to grow healthy and strong. It can be easily digested and contains hundreds of nutrients to keep baby’s digestive system healthy.

Your milk is full of millions of live cells, like immune-boosting white blood cells and stem cells which may help organs develop and heal. And then there’s 200 complex sugars called oligosaccharides which are prebiotics that feed ‘healthy bacteria’. Oligosaccharides help to reduce infections and help to reduce the risk of brain inflammation.

Breast milk is also packed with proteins to help baby grow and the amount of protein in your breast milk will automatically adapt to your baby’s nutritional needs.

As if that wasn’t enough, there’s even five types of antibodies in your milk which help to protect baby from illness and infections. Find out even more about the wonders of breast milk.

What are the symptoms of 38 weeks pregnant?

Symptoms at 38 weeks of pregnancy can include swollen ankles and feet. You baby may be putting pressure on your blood vessels which can affect the flow of blood to your legs. Fluid can build up which can contribute to swelling in the ankles and feet. Here are some tips to give you some relief:

• Wear loose comfortable socks and shoes

• Elevate your feet whenever you can

• Try to avoid standing for long periods of time

• Drink plenty of water – this may sound strange but drinking plenty of water helps flush any retained fluids out of your system

Speak to your GP, midwife or hospital if you get sudden swelling of the face, hands or feet as this could be a sign of pre-eclampsia.

Introduction

At 39 weeks pregnant, it’s almost time for the big day. How can you tell if labour has really started? Read our section on signs of labour. Breastfeeding is a lovely bonding moment with your baby, it’s also good for you too, read on to find out more. Is sleep alluding you at the moment? It’s not really surprising, read our top tips to aid sleep and information of what to expect at 39 weeks pregnant.

What happens to your body at 39 weeks pregnant?

There isn’t a ‘green light’ moment to signpost going into labour, but rest assured you will definitely know when baby is ready to come out. You may also experience some impostor signs too such as Braxton Hicks.

Braxton-Hicks. These ‘false labour’ contractions are the tightening and relaxing of the womb muscles, which can happen from around the second trimester onwards. They’re usually painless but can get stronger and more intense towards the end of your pregnancy. Basically, it’s your body having a practice for the main show.

• Backache and a heavy, achy, tired feeling.

• Feeling nauseous or being sick.

• A ‘show’ – a plug of sticky blood or mucus from your vagina, indicating the cervix has opened.

• Your waters breaking, though this can also happen during labour.

• And, of course, contractions to seal the deal!

No need to rush. Very few babies are born so quickly that their mums can’t get to hospital in time. However, lots of mums-to-be are sent back home because they’ve come in too soon, which can be a bit of a pain especially in the middle of the night. Either way, it’s always best to get in touch with the hospital if you’re unsure.

True labour. The contractions of ‘true labour’ have a steady, regular rhythm and get progressively stronger without easing when you move around. They can feel like very strong period pains. This is the moment to start using any techniques you’ve been practising for dealing with labour pains. Make sure you focus on what works for you, even if it means throwing the rulebook out and going rogue.

It’s not like on the telly. The familiar cry of “my waters have broken!” pre-empts many a TV and movie birth scene. In reality, this can happen at any moment during labour and some women can go into labour without their waters breaking at all. If in doubt call the hospital and explain your symptoms.

You’ve got this! Remember your body is designed to do all this, and your team, from your birth partner, to your medical professionals are there to help you and your baby have the most positive birth experience possible.

Get ready for the big day: the signs and stages of labour.

How is breastfeeding beneficial to the mother?

It’s well known how important and beneficial breastfeeding is for your baby but it’s actually good for mum too.

The skin-to-skin contact (and after the first few weeks, the eye contact too) helps you bond with your baby. It also flushes your body with hormones and two in particular, oxytocin and prolactin, have a multitude of useful effects specifically for mum.

These include cutting down your recovery time by helping your uterus contract, improving blood clotting and even reducing the amount of bleeding after birth. Prolactin also induces a deep feeling of relaxation, while oxytocin is the hormone that helps you fall head-over-heels in love with your mini-me.

No wonder then, that breastfeeding is also linked to decreased risks of postnatal depression - you’re well and truly saturated with happy hormones.

What are the symptoms of 39 weeks pregnant?

Week 39 pregnancy symptoms can include difficulty sleeping. Here is a reminder of some of the sleep tips we gave you a few weeks ago:

• Lie on your side and place a pillow between your knees and a pillow supporting your bump. This should help you feel a bit more comfortable. Or if you have one use your pregnancy pillow

• Avoid all caffeine – try decaffeinated tea and coffee and caffeine free cola

• Avoid eating too close to bedtime as this can contribute to heartburn

• Try some relaxation techniques before bedtime. Some pregnancy yoga or meditation might help

• Avoid any electronic screens for an hour before bedtime

• Allow 30 minutes unwind time, for reading, listening to calming music or some light stretches

• Ensure you have rest time during the day but avoid excessive naps as you may find it difficult to get to sleep at night.

Introduction

At 40 weeks pregnant there is no new development for your baby, they are ready to be born. Find out more on preparing for breastfeeding and meeting your little one. You may be getting a lot of practice contractions now and it can be hard to tell the difference, read our guide on Braxton Hicks. Read about skin-to-skin contact and information of what to expect at 40 weeks pregnant.

What happens to your body at 40 weeks pregnant?

This is the last official week of your pregnancy. Once baby is born you can finally put a name to a face. You’ll find carrying the baby outside the womb quite different especially since it’s no longer hands-free. Both your body and your days are about to get busy. Physically you will be gearing up for breastfeeding which gives the best possible start for your baby. Here’s a few things you can do to prepare for it.

Breastfeeding techniques. Read up on getting your baby to ‘latch on’ or suckle, and the best ways to hold your baby when breastfeeding. Here’s some handy advice on breastfeeding techniques.

Breastfeeding essentials. From nursing bras and support pillows, to breast pads, breast pumps and nipple cream, gather the things you’ll need so you’re ready to go as soon as baby is.

Breastfeeding diet. It’s important to continue eating well following the birth. As well as helping you recover, your diet needs to provide the nutrients both you and baby need while you’re breastfeeding, because, technically, you’re still ‘eating for two’ (well, one and a bit, really). Keep up your strength with these nutrition tips and advice.

If you choose not to breastfeed, remember that your body will automatically go through the process of preparing for it. So you may need a pack of breastpads for those first leaky days. Speak with your healthcare professional about how best to deal with the physical changes and effects you’re likely to experience.

Comfy clothes. While some mums’ bodies appear to snap back quickly, many women find they still have a bit of a soft bump for some time. So it’s nice to have some stretchy clothes ready to wear. It’s so much easier to adapt to your new role as mum when you’re comfortable. Remember, your body has just done something amazing, so don’t put pressure on yourself to achieve a certain look or weight. Your happiness and your baby’s healthy growth are the most important things.

What to eat at 40 weeks pregnant

As previously mentioned, a nutritious pregnancy diet will give your little one the healthiest start in life. That’s why you’ve been eating so well for the last nine months. But with your stomach so squashed in the last few weeks of pregnancy, it’s unlikely you’ll be able to handle a three-course meal in one sitting.

Instead, you can maintain your energy levels by eating little and often. Now’s the time to indulge yourself a bit and enjoy a few treats - you’ve earned it.

What are the symptoms of 40 weeks pregnant?

40 weeks pregnancy symptoms can include a lot of practice contractions or Braxton Hicks. You’ll feel your lower abdominal area tighten then relax. Usually, Braxton Hicks are irregular and don’t hurt, however some women find they feel like menstrual cramps and can be a bit uncomfortable.

You will be able to tell Braxton Hicks from the real thing as the contractions are irregular, vary in intensity but don’t get progressively stronger, are infrequent and may stop when you move or change position. True contractions come at regular intervals and get closer together over time, contractions get steadily more intense and don’t improve when you move. Read our article to find out more on the signs of labour.